Ankle Sprain Orthopaedic What is an ankle sprain? Ankle sprain means that the ligaments in your ankle have been injured, usually when they are overstretched during a sudden pull. What are ligaments? Ligaments are strong band-like structures that hold bones and joints together. The ligaments at the side of the ankle are the ones most commonly sprained. A damaged ankle ligament causes inflammation, swelling, and bleeding (which shows as bruising) around the affected joint. Moving of the joint is painful. How serious is an ankle sprain? The severity of a sprain can range from mild to severe, depending on how badly the ligaments have been stretched and whether the ankle joint has been made unstable. You cannot walk with a severe ankle sprain because it may be
very painful. Usually, the more pain and swelling you have, the more severe is your ankle sprain and the longer it will take to heal.
What are the symptoms? • Pain right away at the site of the tear. • Ankle swollen, bruises and tender to touch • Hurts when moving the ankle • In a more severe sprain, you may hear and/or feel something tear, along with a pop or snap sound. Pain is extreme and you will not be able to walk or even put weight on your foot.
• Analgesics (pain killers). They are usually prescribed to ease your pain. Rehabilitation You may be asked to go for physiotherapy to help the muscles surrounding the ankle to get stronger, and to regain the ankle’s normal range of movement. For more severe sprains, therapy may include heat, ultrasound, or other treatments.
Treatment • Rest. Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury. • Ice. Apply a bag of ice over a thin towel to the injured area for 20 minutes every hour. Do not put ice directly against the skin. • Compression. Apply an elastic bandage or wrap to control swelling. • Elevation. Raise the injured foot slightly above the level of the hip to reduce swelling. • Protect. Protect the ankle from further injury using a ankle support. Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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